Eat Out. M Cafe's Big Five special.

M Cafe is one of those eateries that I consider to be quintessentially "L.A.": the food is painstakingly fresh and healthy (specifically, it's macrobiotic, so add an extra point there), the setting is open with natural light and outdoor seating for optimal be-seen opportunities, and there's usually a celebrity or two (and subsequently, paparazzi). Oh, and the food is really good.

It's a true L.A. staple, which makes it a little surprising to think that it's only been around for five years. And tomorrow just happens to be its 5th anniversary, and you're invited to celebrate with the Big Five deal, when you can enjoy everything on their menu for just $5! The deal lasts from 5pm to closing, and you're limited to five items each (see a pattern here?), but that should be enough time for you to grab a delicious Big Macro burger (usually $9.75) or a varied sushi combo (up to $9.50). Just try to stay clear of the paparazzi.

The M Cafe Big Five deal is being offered at all three M Cafe locations, including: 7119 Melrose Ave. in Hollywood, 9343 Culver Blvd. in Culver City and 9433 Brighton Way in Beverly Hills.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: M Cafe

Eat Out. Jamba Juice's Weekday Feel Good Specials.

As the weather gets warmer, I often get a craving for a nice cold smoothie--nothing like some refreshing fruit to keep your day going and make you feel a bit healthier, right? And right now, one of my favorite go-to spots, the ever-convenient Jamba Juice, is throwing out some daily deals that are sure to make visits even more worth it.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, Jamba Juice is offering "Weekday Feel Good Specials," which include Ideal Meal Mondays, which gets you a 12oz. energizing and healthy Ideal Meal for $3, and All Fruit Fridays, when a 16oz. All Fruit smoothie can be had for only $3. Today's deal is $2 cup of oatmeal, for Wake Up Wednesday, of course. Check the website for more details.

It's also a good time to remind you that Jamba Juice now offers coffee smoothies and hot drinks like tea in addition to their famous fruit blends, and maybe this summer is the time to start testing out their "secret" menu (the "Starburst" is pretty spectacular). Mmm, smoothie.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Jamba Juice

Do It. Vote for the best burger in L.A.

With the rise in popularity of burger joints like Umami (a personal fave!) and Father's Office, L.A. definitely seems to be going through some kind of burger renaissance. But where can you get the best?

It's time to vote. dineLA (the lovely folks who bring the biannual L.A. Restaurant Weeks) is currently holding a contest on Los Angeles' facebook page for May, National Hamburger Month, to decide where Angelenos can get the best burger in the city. Not surprisingly, In-N-Out seems to be beating everyone else, but there are some fighters in the aformentioned Umami and Father's Office. Disagree? Cast your vote now!

And if you need an extra incentive, voting in the contest and entering your email on the facebook page let's you in on some exclusive deals for each of the burger places mentioned. Yesterday's deal featured $10 off a burger--50% off!--at the barely-month-old supper club in downtown First & Hope. So even if you've got a loyalty towards one burger, it doesn't mean you shouldn't try any other.

Happy grubbing, and get voting--the contest ends May 31st.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Umami, by the LA Times

Etc. Arcona 15% off.

In celebration of Earth Day this April, Arcona Los Angeles is offering 15% off your product purchase when you bring in an empty Arcona container, for recycling. Through April 30.

As Arcona products are natural and best used within six months of opening, it's pretty likely that if you use Arcona you have an empty (or near empty) bottle around.

The Arcona Studio is located at 425 Broadway in Santa Monica.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: beautysnob.com